Night Gallery (TV Series) The Messiah on Mott Street/The Painted Mirror (1971) User Reviews

The Messiah & The Mirror

[AaronCapenBanner · 7/10 · 11 November 2014]

'The Messiah On Mott Street' - Edward G. Robinson plays an elderly and ailing bedridden Jewish grandfather whose grandson tries to save his life at the Holiday season by finding the messiah, who comes in the form of a postman(played by Yaphet Kotto), assuming the angel of death doesn't get there first... Moving holiday story can be enjoyed equally by all faiths.

'The Painted Mirror' - Arthur O'Connell plays an antique shop owner who hates his callous new business partner(played by Zsa Zsa Gabor) and plots with a loyal female customer to get rid of her in a strange mirror that leads to another prehistoric world... Amusing tale with grim overtones is at least fun to watch, with a good premise.

Strange and wonderful things.

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 23 January 2013]

This heartfelt Night Gallery episode takes two positions on theological issues. First that the Messiah can be a personal one and that Christmas can happen for Jews.

Edward G. Robinson plays an old man who is the soul support of his grandson, nine year old Ricky Powell. He's also a pretty sick man who worries his doctor Tony Roberts. Robinson has told his grandson of many tales of the Messiah and the angel of death. And tonight the angel of death is camping close by.

Powell takes things literally and brings home Yaphett Kotto who says to him he is in fact the Messiah. After that some strange and wonderful things start to happen.

The whole cast does a wonderful job in this holiday treat of an episode.

One strong segment and one decent segment.

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 15 December 2020]

'The Messiah on Mott Street'. A Rod Serling original, this is a Yuletide heart warmer about ghetto dweller Abraham Goldman (the great gangster actor Edward G. Robinson), an aged and sickly Jewish man who dotes on his grandson Mikey (adorable Ricky Powell). Determined to help the old man, Mikey ventures outside in search of The Messiah, and encounters a helpful man named Buckner (Yaphet Kotto) who just might be Him. With Tony Roberts offering strong support as kindly, devoted physician Morris Levine, this has atmosphere to spare, and an excellent Serling script. The characters are appealing and the performances are simply superb, giving lots of weight to this poignant tale about life & death, and the possibility of miracles. The ending may very well bring tears of joy to the viewers' face. Directed by former actor Don Taylor ("Escape from the Planet of the Apes", "Damien: Omen II").

'The Painted Mirror'. Written and directed by series veteran Gene R. Kearney, based on a story by Donald Wandrei. Frank Standish (Arthur O'Connell), a kindly antiques dealer, now has to put up with his crass business partner, an annoying type played to the hilt by Zsa Zsa Gabor. When customer Ellen Chase (Rosemary DeCamp) brings in a mirror that's been painted over, Frank decides to chip away at the paint, revealing something quite unexpected underneath: the perfect means of permanently getting rid of Gabor. While this segment is really nothing special, it's certainly adequately amusing when we see what is contained in the "mirror". Plus, key scenes with O'Connell and DeCamp have a likably wistful quality, and the acting is all on point. O'Connell and DeCamp are appealing, and the viewer does get tired of Gabor in record fashion. Good fun, overall.

Eight out of 10.

"...I had a nightmare like you can't believe."

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 1 June 2017]

If you watch the full episodes of Night Gallery there's usually a story that's a clunker in the mix, especially with the short fillers they would insert from time to time. This entry however, has only two tales, and both of them come off pretty well. The first is a tender and touching story featuring Edward G. Robinson in one of his last acting vehicles. He's a dying Jewish grandfather who's nine year old grandson comprises his whole world. Taking the old man's advice literally, the young boy Mikey (Ricky Powell) sets out in search of the Messiah to save his grandfather. Following a brief run-in with a mean spirited Santa Claus, Mikey finds his Messiah, 'big and black and looming against the sky'. The story is not without it's twist, but does end on a very positive and pensive note in keeping with the holiday tradition.

I found 'The Painted Mirror' quite frankly to be a blast. It would have been right at home as a candidate for Rod Serling's earlier TV anthology series, 'The Twilight Zone'. As a business partner, Zsa Zsa Gabor is a real pain in the neck, so her associate Standish (Arthur O'Connell), egged on my a friendly admirer (Rosemary DeCamp), discover an entrance to a surreal, prehistoric world when he removes the painted surface from a magic mirror. Let's just say this story offers an object lesson warning one not to get painted into a corner.

I'll find a way to get rid of you I'll paint you inside a painting.

[blanbrn · 9/10 · 3 October 2012]

Just recently watched this classic episode of "Night Gallery" named "The Painted Mirror" it features the legendary Zsa Zsa Gabor back in the day when she was still a sexy lady. This tale takes a twist as it teaches us bad things can happen to bad people you will like the ending.

Anyway Ms. Gabor plays Mrs. Moore a cold and arrogant not caring owner of a local city thrift store shop she's rude to her owner partner and even her customers. Yet all of that is about to change one day when a woman brings in a special painting which is a little out of the norm. This painting can come to life and be scrapped over and literally jumped into! Wait till you see the clever move that's put on Mrs. Moore by the shop partner and lady paint owner. Mrs. Moore's rude nature is brushed away forever. Good episode with a good twist.

A Sentimental Story Plus a Chance to Deal with the Annoying Zsa Zsa

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 11 June 2014]

Edward G. Robinson, the great gangster actor, finds his way to this show in the twilight of his career. He plays a very sick man who is taken care of by his little grandson. A family doctor comes to see him and would like to put him in the hospital, but if this is done, the little boy, who is really fine child actor, would find himself turned over to family services. Robinson frequently speaks to the little boy of a Messiah that will come and counteract death for time. The boy goes into the streets and come back with Yaphet Koto, a huge man whom he things is the Messiah. It's a Christmas story and some magic occurs. The acting is excellent. Tony Roberts is very good as the young doctor who is willing to give his time to the old man and the boy.

"The Painted Mirror" features Zsa Zsa Gabor as a cruel woman who is driving out the former proprietor of a junk shop. She has control of the place and throws her weight around. One day, a woman shows up with a mirror that is painted over. When the old owner scrapes the paint off, it reveals a threshold into a jungle scene. One can actually walk into the mirror. If only it had been this easy to get rid of Zsa Zsa Gabor. For the life of me, I can't imagine how she became so famous and so much in the public eye.

Sometimes, God Remembers the Tenements.

[Gislef · 8/10 · 27 September 2022]

The second segment, "Painted Mirror", isn't a great one. It has decent performance but Gabor's character is too stupid to live. Which is only fair, since she doesn't. The whole thing strikes me as more of a horror story, akin to Tales From the Crypt or Tales From the Darkside. Which again, fair enough, since Night Gallery was more akin to horror than fantasy.

The first story, "Messiah", is a companion piece to Twilight Zone's "Night of the Meek". Clearly Serling had a special place in his heart for the Christmas holiday. Here he tells his story from a Jewish perspective, sort of. It still boils down to a Christmas miracle kind of story, but with the Messiah instead of Santa Claus. This lets the production staff cast Yaphet Kotto as the Messiah, which is a sterling piece of casting. Kotto can and does light up the screen with his smile.

Edward G. Robinson is also good, and gets one rant against the Angel of Death that takes up a couple of minutes of screentime and is mesmerizing. Robinson lost none of his talent in his old age, as anyone who has seen him in Soylent Green can testify. Ricky Powell isn't too grating as Mikey, Tony Roberts is good, and even long-time B actor Joseph Ruskin gets a good couple of minutes.

Basically, "Messiah" is another tale of the holiday season, and with a bit of a holiday miracle tossed in. But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?

One of the most memorable episodes-"The Painted Mirrow"

[scottedunlap · 7/10 · 9 February 2021]

The story is fantastic, true horror-mystical-scifi. Stop animation was decent for the day. My only problem is they obviously spent the whole budget on the animation. There are two or three shots of the actors that are recycled MANY TIMES. These shots are usually reused as filler with big gaps in the dialog. It leaves you feeling as if you are dreaming a nightmare!. I was 12 when It first aired, it has stayed with me these 48 years.

The Just shall live by faith.

[davidchatman-84053 · 10/10 · 12 June 2021]

I just flipped into this episode and thought, hey, this is Edward G. Ever seen anything with him not excellent, at least his part? Christmas(on set), Hannakah, miracle, faith, little boy's faith, lack to provision, health from sickness. I paint this, Redemption. The just shall live by faith.

Well does not age well!

[mm-39 · 6/10 · 27 March 2024]

The Messiah on Mott Street was so cliquish for late 60's film. The poor orphan, the old dying guy, and the surprise stranger who helps. Over filmed, over dialogue and so many did this done to often style of filming; I found the Christmas special too long and draws out the the conclusion like a bad joke. Just does not age well. The Painted mirror was surprisingly good. Nice to see a younger Zaa Zaa. The story was a bit dated and stretched, But the pained over mirror was cool. What was with the mirror? Good special effects for the late 60's. Predictable ending but fun too watch. The Painted Mirror was the better of the two installments. The two together I give 6 stars.

Two superior stories

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 4 October 2018]

"The Messiah on Mott Street" - Sweet little boy Mikey Goldman (likeable Ricky Powell) searches for the messiah on Christmas Eve to comfort his ailing grandfather Abraham (an excellent and affecting performance by Edward G. Robinson). Director Don Taylor expertly crafts a gentle and thoughtful poignant tone as well as makes tender use of the yuletide setting. Moreover, this segment further benefits from terrific acting from Tony Roberts as concerned physician Dr. Morris Levene and especially Yaphet Kotto as compassionate stranger Buckner. The scenes between Mikey and Abraham are quite touching while the upbeat conclusion is truly heartwarming. A lovely tale.

"The Painted Mirror" - Mild-mannered thrift store owner Frank Standish (an amiable portrayal by Arthur O'Connell) discovers an alien landscape inside of a mirror that he uses as a means of getting rid of his mean and annoying new business partner Mrs. Moore (well played to the irritating hilt by Zsa Zsa Gabor). This story boasts a surprisingly capable turn by Gabor as one of those quintessential obnoxious characters the viewer loves to hate along with a hugely satisfying nasty comeuppance for said disagreeable character.

Good episode

[BandSAboutMovies · 6/10 · 8 April 2023]

I like the idea of only two stories in an episode of Night Gallery, which gives the tales time to stretch out and, thankfully, avoid the comedy. Well, let's see what happens.

Directed by Don Taylor and written by Rod Serling, "The Messiah On Mott Street" finds Abraham Goldman (Edward G. Robinson) dying on Christmas Eve in the apartment he shares with his nine-year-old grandson Mikey (Ricky Powell). While his doctor Morris Levine (Tony Roberts) wants him to go to the hospital, Abraham is more concerned about the well-being of Mikey, who is an orphan. When the Angel of Death comes to his bed, Mikey runs into the snowy streets looking for the Messiah to save the only person who has been there for him.

He finds Santa Claus and man dressed as Jesus who is preaching the end of all things. As Mikey cowers in fear, he's saved by a black man named Buckner (Yaphet Kotto) who he feels has to be the Messiah. He begs him to see his grandfather and save him. When they arrive, the Angel of Death has come again and promises that he will come for Abraham at midnight. And while the doctor laughs at the idea of the black man being the Messiah, perhaps happiness can exist even in a Night Gallery episode.

"The Painted Mirror" is directed and written by Gene Kearney. It's about an antique store owned by Frank Standish (Arthur O'Connell) and Mrs. Moore (Zsa Zsa Gabo) who always seem at odds. When a customer named Ellen Chase (Rosemary DeCamp) brings in an ancient mirror, completely covered in black paint, Mrs. Moore will only carry it on consignment. It obsesses Frank, who removes the paint to reveal a prehistoric scene that viewers can reach into. Of course, this leads to the cruel Mrs. Moore and her dog being trapped there, painted over and inside the past, as a giant dinosaur comes after her.

This episode has one of Serling's most touching screenplays and some great acting in the first story, so nearly no matter what follows it, it still has to be seen as a well-made episode. Along with Soylent Green, it's hard to see an obviously ill Robinson play dying men, but he was a working actor who kept appearing in films and television up until his death. As for the second story, the stop-motion animation is really good and it's a quick and fun installment.